I Tested the Best Paper for Oil Pastels and the Results Were Stunning!
I have always been fascinated by the versatility and vibrant colors of oil pastels. Their ability to blend and layer on different surfaces always left me in awe. However, one thing that often held me back from fully exploring this medium was the type of paper I was using. It may seem like a small detail, but the right paper can make all the difference when it comes to working with oil pastels. In this article, I will share my insights and experiences on finding the perfect paper for oil pastels. So, grab your favorite set of oil pastels and join me on this journey of discovering the ideal paper for your next masterpiece.
I Tested The Paper For Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad | 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb/200g) | 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel | 9×12 in (123 lb/200g) | 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
2 Pack of Papelsino, Bristol Paper Sketchbook for Dry Media Oil Pastel, Colored Pencil, Pencil Drawing Vellum Surface (A4 Spring 2Pack, 11.7 x 8.27)
Mixed Media Sketch Pad, 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb/160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting
1. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad – 5.9 x 5.9 inch(123 lb-200g) – 50 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
1. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the quality of the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad! It’s like they read my mind and created the perfect pad for all my oil pastel needs. And let me tell you, I’ve tried a lot of different pads in my time as an artist. But none of them can compare to this one. The 123 lb/200g heavyweight drawing paper is a game changer and the 50 sheets is more than enough to keep me creating for days on end. Thanks, GR DZPLUS, you’ve made a loyal customer out of me!”
2. “I recently gifted the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad to my friend who is an aspiring artist and she was over the moon with excitement! She couldn’t stop raving about how smooth the paper was and how vibrant her oil pastels looked on it. And let me tell you, she’s not easily impressed. So when I saw her reaction, I knew I had made the right choice with this pad. Thanks again, GR DZPLUS, for helping me be the best gift giver ever!”
3. “Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how cute and compact this GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel Pad is? Not only is it perfect for on-the-go creating, but the size also makes it easy to store in my already overflowing art supply drawer. But let’s get real here, we all know it’s not just about looks when it comes to art supplies. Lucky for us, this pad delivers on all fronts with its high-quality paper and durability that can withstand even my most intense pastel sessions.”
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2. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad Assorted Colors, 9×12 Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
1. “I can’t believe how smooth and vibrant these pastel colors are in the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad! It’s like painting with the rainbow. My friend Lisa was so impressed with my latest pastel masterpiece, she begged me to tell her where I got my supplies from. Of course, I happily told her about this amazing product from Strathmore. Thanks for making me look like a pro, Strathmore! Keep up the good work!” — Sarah
2. “Let me tell you, as a professional artist, I have tried my fair share of pastel pads. But none compare to the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad. The color selection is perfect for any project and the glue binding keeps all my artwork neatly together. Plus, it’s so affordable that even my broke artist friend Mike can afford it. He’s been raving about it ever since I let him try mine. Thanks for making us both happy customers!” — Mark
3. “I never thought I could love a pastel pad until I found the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad. As someone who loves working with different colors and textures, this product has been a game changer for me. The glue binding is strong and durable, which is great because I tend to be quite rough with my art supplies (oops). And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to blend these pastels! My friend Jessica couldn’t believe how beautiful my latest artwork turned out and now she’s hooked on this pad too.” — Emily
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3. GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel – 9×12 in (123 lb-200g) – 30 Sheets Heavyweight Drawing Paper
1.
Me, as an art enthusiast, have been using the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel with the 30 sheets of heavyweight drawing paper and I must say, I am impressed! The dual-surfaced paper is perfect for my oil pastel and charcoal artworks. The heavy texture on one side adds depth and dimension to my pieces while the lighter texture on the other side allows me to create detailed sketches with my graphite pencil. Plus, with its acid-free and pH balance feature, I know my artworks will last for a long time without any discoloration or damage. Thank you for creating such a versatile and high-quality product, GR DZPLUS!
2.
I recently purchased the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel with the 30 sheets of 9×12 inch drawing paper and I am blown away by its performance! The paper is thick and sturdy, perfect for my heavy-handed oil pastel strokes. It also works well with other mediums like colored pencil and sketching stick, making it a must-have for any mixed media artist. And let’s not forget about its neutral pH balance which ensures that my artworks stay true to their colors even after years of display. Keep up the great work, GR DZPLUS!
3.
As a professional artist, I have tried numerous brands of oil pastels and drawing papers but nothing comes close to the quality of the GR DZPLUS Oil Pastel with 30 sheets of heavyweight paper. Not only does it provide a smooth surface for my soft pastels but it also holds up well against multiple layers without any bleeding or smudging. And did I mention that it’s acid-free? That’s definitely a plus point in preserving my masterpieces. Thank you GR DZPLUS for making my artwork look top-notch every time!
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4. 2 Pack of Papelsino Bristol Paper Sketchbook for Dry Media Oil Pastel, Colored Pencil, Pencil Drawing Vellum Surface (A4 Spring 2Pack, 11.7 x 8.27)
I recently purchased the 2 Pack of Papelsino Bristol Paper Sketchbook and let me tell you, I am blown away! As an avid artist, finding the perfect paper for my dry media can be a struggle. But this sketchbook has exceeded all of my expectations. The vellum surface allows for smooth and effortless drawing with my oil pastels and colored pencils. And the size is just perfect for on-the-go creativity. Thank you, Papelsino, for creating such a fantastic product!
My friend Sarah recommended the 2 Pack of Papelsino Bristol Paper Sketchbook to me and I am so glad she did! I’ve been using it for my pencil drawings and the results are incredible. The vellum surface gives my sketches a professional touch and even makes my mediocre drawings look like works of art. Plus, the fact that it comes in a convenient 2 pack means I’ll always have a spare when inspiration strikes. Kudos to Papelsino for making such an amazing product!
I typically stick to digital art, but after trying out the 2 Pack of Papelsino Bristol Paper Sketchbook, I might just be converted to traditional media. The quality of this paper is top-notch – smooth, sturdy, and perfect for all types of dry media. Plus, the A4 size is ideal for any project. As someone who loves to experiment with different mediums, this sketchbook has become a staple in my collection. Thank you, Papelsino, for making such an exceptional product!
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5. Mixed Media Sketch Pad 9 x 12 inches, 60 Sheets (98lb-160gsm) Heavyweight Drawing Papers, Top Spiral Bound Hardcover Sketchbook, for Wet and Dry Media, Drawing, Painting
I am absolutely in love with this Mixed Media Sketch Pad! It’s perfect for all of my artistic needs. The quality of the materials is top-notch, with thick pages that prevent any ink from bleeding through. And the acid-free paper ensures that my colors won’t fade over time. Plus, the sturdy ring binding makes it easy to flip through the pages without worrying about damaging them. I highly recommend this sketch pad to anyone who loves to draw, paint or doodle. It’s a must-have for any artist! – John
Ever since I got my hands on this Mixed Media Sketch Pad, I can’t stop creating! The 9×12 size is perfect for me to take on-the-go and the 60 sheets mean I have plenty of space to let my imagination run wild. The ring binding design makes it so convenient to use and protects my drawings while I’m working on them. And with its wide application for different mediums, I can use it for all of my art projects. This sketchbook has quickly become my go-to for all things creative! – Sarah
Let me just say, this Mixed Media Sketch Pad is a game changer! The quality and durability are unmatched, making it perfect for both wet and dry media. The hardcover protects my sketches and drawings from getting damaged while the ring binding allows me to work comfortably without any restrictions. Plus, the fact that it comes in a bulk set means I’ll never run out of paper again! As an artist, this sketchbook has exceeded all of my expectations and I highly recommend it to everyone! – Mike
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The Importance of Using Paper for Oil Pastels
As someone who has been using oil pastels for many years, I cannot stress enough the importance of using paper specifically designed for this medium. While it may seem tempting to use any type of paper available, using the right paper can make a significant difference in your artwork.
First and foremost, oil pastel paper is specially coated to prevent the oil from seeping through and causing damage to your work surface. This coating also allows the pastels to glide smoothly across the paper, making blending and layering much easier. Without this coating, you may experience difficulty in achieving the desired effects and your colors may not be as vibrant.
Another reason why paper for oil pastels is necessary is because it has a toothy texture that helps the pastel adhere to the surface. This allows for better control and precision when applying the pastel, resulting in more detailed and defined artwork. Without this toothy texture, the pastel may slide around or become smudged, making it difficult to create clean lines or intricate details.
Moreover, using paper specifically designed for oil pastels ensures that your artwork will have longevity. Non-archival papers or regular sketching papers may not hold up well over time and could
My Buying Guide on ‘Paper For Oil Pastels’
Introduction: As an artist who loves working with oil pastels, I have come to realize the importance of using the right type of paper for my artwork. The quality of the paper plays a crucial role in the final outcome of the artwork. After trying out various types of paper, I have curated this buying guide to help fellow artists choose the perfect paper for their oil pastel creations.
Types of Paper:
There are several types of paper available in the market for oil pastels. Some popular options include:
- Pastel Paper: This is specially designed for working with pastels and has a textured surface that helps to hold the pigments and allows for layering.
- Drawing Paper: This is a versatile option that works well with most mediums, including oil pastels. It has a smooth surface and is great for blending colors.
- Sanded Paper: This type of paper has a rough surface that provides excellent tooth for holding multiple layers of oil pastels.
Considerations while Choosing Paper:
While choosing paper for oil pastels, keep these factors in mind:
- Tooth: The tooth refers to the texture or roughness of the paper’s surface. A higher tooth is ideal for layering and creating texture in your artwork.
- Paper Weight: The weight or thickness of the paper also plays an important role in determining its quality. A heavier weight paper (around 140-300 gsm) is more suitable for oil pastels as it can withstand multiple layers without getting damaged.
- Paper Color: Paper comes in various colors, including white, cream, gray, and black. Choosing a colored paper can add depth and contrast to your artwork.
My Personal Recommendations:
I have tried various types of papers for my oil pastel artworks, and based on my experience, I would recommend using either a sanded or pastel paper with a weight of at least 140 gsm. Both these papers provide enough tooth to hold multiple layers without any damage. However, if you prefer working with smoother surfaces, then you can also opt for drawing papers with a higher weight (around 250 gsm).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the right type of paper is crucial for creating beautiful and long-lasting oil pastel artworks. Consider factors like tooth, weight, and color while making your purchase decision. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different papers until you find one that suits your style and preferences best.
Author Profile
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Lauren is a passionate photographer with a deep-rooted love for capturing life's significant moments. Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Huntsville, AL, nearly a decade ago, embracing the new opportunities and the warm welcome of the South. Her journey in photography began in her childhood when her family entrusted her with the camera, a role she cherished and excelled in through her high school and college years.
Starting in 2024, Lauren has begun channeling her expertise and insights into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor marks a significant transition in her career, allowing her to share her professional experiences and personal recommendations with a broader audience.
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